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Victorino could be out until Tuesday with back spasms

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Victorino's early exit 0:29

4/24/13: Shane Victorino exits the game with an apparent back injury after wincing on a check swing in the sixth inning

By Ian Browne
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MLB.com |

BOSTON -- Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino was out of the lineup Friday night against the Astros, marking the fourth game he's missed due to lower back spasms. Victorino exited two other games early because of the ailment.

It's possible he won't play until Tuesday, when the Red Sox open a road trip in Toronto.

"It's a real possibility," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "But how he feels is going to be the single most important thing in this."

How did Victorino feel on Friday?

"Improved over yesterday," Farrell said. "He still has some spasms in the lower back so he's day to day but unavailable today."

At this point, the club is still hopeful Victorino won't have to go on the disabled list.

"It will be based on how he continues to improve day after day and responds to the treatment. We're not any closer today to saying this is a DL situation," Farrell said.

Jonny Gomes batted in Victorino's No. 2 spot in the batting order Friday night and played left field. He went 1-for-5 with an RBI single. Daniel Nava got the start in right and was 0-for-4.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.